Effects of the 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest: Post traumatic stress disorder symptomatology among law enforcement officers

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Abstract
This study examined the psychological impact of the April 29, 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest on the stress levels of law enforcement officers. Levels of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers assigned to a major riot area were evaluated. Factors implicated in individual coping processes after a traumatic event were examined. Furthermore, police officers' perceptions of the event were examined. One hundred forty-one officers (123 males, 18 females) assigned to two South Central Los Angeles police precincts during the Los Angeles, April 1992 disturbances replied to the questionnaire. The questionnaire included four instruments: The Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD, Moos' Coping Responses Inventory, the Police Perception Survey, and a demographic survey. The results indicate that 17 percent of the officers who responded are experiencing stress symptomatology. Findings further indicate that these officers are twice as likely to use approximately twice the avoidance coping strategies than are their counterparts without symptomatology. Results indicate a positive relationship of PTSD symptomatology with cognitive avoidance, acceptance or resignation, and emotional discharge; and they suggest an inverse relationship between PTSD symptomatology and seeking support and information, and seeking alternative rewards.

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